GVSU's Martin Named Daktronics All-Midwest Region Player of the Year

Release courtesy of:  Dan McDonnell, Assistant Director of Sports Information University of Southern Indiana

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Grand Valley State University's Katie Martin and Quincy University's Torie Bunzell have been named the Daktronics, Inc. Softball Midwest Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively, in a vote by the region's sports information directors.

Bunzell, the Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, finished the season with a 30-13 record and a 1.12 ERA. Her NCAA-best 524 strikeouts in 2011 were just nine shy of the NCAA Division II single-season mark, while her 1,539 strikeouts during her four-years as a Lady Hawk set the NCAA II all-time career record. She also finished her career with a 95-41 mark.

Martin, who earned first-team All-Midwest Region honors as a designated player, has helped lead the Lakers to the NCAA II Midwest Super Regional. In 2011, Martin has been one of the most feared hitters in the country as she has hit .478 with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs. Her efforts have led Grand Valley State to a 41-14 record.

In addition to Martin, Grand Valley State was represented on the All-Midwest Region first team by sophomore shortstop Briauna Taylor, sophomore outfielder Brittany Taylor, and junior catcher Carli Raisutus.

The Daktronics All-Midwest Region first team also included Ferris State junior first baseman Chelsea Morris, Southern Indiana senior second baseman Amanda Brendel, and Saginaw Valley State freshman third baseman Marcy Medina. Northern Kentucky junior outfielder Ashley Gates and Wayne State junior outfielder Alison Allen also earned first-team honors, while Saginaw Valley State senior Jade Fulton and Ashland junior Emlyn Knerem joined Bunzell in earning first-team honors as a pitcher.

Indianapolis sophomore outfielder/pitcher Jennifer DeMotte rounded out the first-team honorees as the utility player selection.

The Daktronics All-Midwest Region second team infield included Bellarmine junior first baseman Lauren Summe, Indianapolis senior second baseman Jamie Keltz, Bellarmine sophomore shortstop Megan Murdoch, Northern Kentucky junior shortstop Jessica Farris, Grand Valley State freshman third baseman Miranda Cleary, and Bellarmine catcher Jordan Basham.

Missouri-St. Louis senior Karey Kruse, Lewis sophomore Jayme Hefler, and Ferris State junior Stephanie Dusendang were named to the second team as outfielders; while Lewis senior Diana Pickrum, Bellarmine senior Casey Willard, and Grand Valley State junior Andrea Nicholson earned second-team honors as pitchers.

Northern Kentucky sophomore designated player Emily Schwaeble and Missouri-St. Louis senior utility player JaCee Ellis rounded out the second-team honorees.

Grand Valley State and Saginaw Valley State will meet in Midwest Super Regional this Friday and Saturday to decide the Midwest Region representative at the 2011 NCAA II Championship Series, which is May 26-30 in Salem, Virginia.